White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a coarse, uneven texture. Distinctive cathedral patterns are visible in this flat-sawn section, showing characteristic large, open pores.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood with an olive cast. Sapwood is near-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden tone and tannins will darken with age or when treated with ammonia.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vascular vessels. Excellent for outdoor or water-adjacent use.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern surface, likely manufactured within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation and the precision of the mechanical surfacing.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable and not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent results with hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. High shrinkage necessitates careful drying. Reacts with iron (turning blue/black).
Notable Features
Features tyloses in the pores making it liquid-tight. Strong 'toasty' scent when worked. High tannin content. Notable for ray flecks when quarter-sawn.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well, particularly oil-based polyurethanes, lacquer, and penetrating oils. Requires a grain filler if a perfectly smooth, glass-like surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct cathedral grain, open-pored texture, and specific light-brown-to-olive color palette are diagnostic for the White Oak group.